If the organization doesn't catch your attention, then the Christmas light display certainly will.
The Winter Wonder Forest is a fundraising effort for the True Start Foundation. The main mission of the "spiritual not-for-profit organization" that has a small group ministry is to act as a poverty-fighting initiative.
“We're here to basically get people into affordable, sustainable housing. That's our end goal,” explained founder Steve Sande.
Its goal is not just to get people in affordable housing, but also keep them there by teaching them how to manage their finances by offering educational resources, emergency financial resources, and other social supports.
The foundation is only two years old and hasn't taken on clients yet. It is building up its own financial resources before it can sustainably do this community work going forward.
"We had a pretty good plan, pre-COVID and then COVID shut us down," he added.
The big — and definitely bright — way True Start is fundraising can be seen for miles around. The Winter Wonder Forest takes its cue from the Bright Nights display that stopped being held at Hawrelak Park more than 10 years ago. If you're looking for festive lights, fun holiday characters, horse-drawn sleigh rides, and visits from a certain jolly old elf and his better half then this is for you.
Its inaugural outing was held last year at Snow Valley with a total of 26,000 cars driving thru à la Bright Nights. This year, however, it has moved northward and is a more interactive festival, meaning you can get out of your vehicle to enjoy it. It is now located at Longriders RV Park just off of Highway 28A going into Gibbons. Organizers expect it to be even bigger, better, and yes, brighter.
If you're on the highway after dark, you can't miss it. The illumination is a sight to behold, Sande added.
"We have a massive Christmas display. We have probably over 500,000 lights on the premise here,” he continued, noting that people will be asked to mask up. “It's a big light display. We've got over seven acres out here that we've decorated. That's 300,000 square feet so we've got enough room for the social distancing."
There will be train rides, horse-drawn sleigh rides, a light tunnel, some "enchanting" characters, an artisan market, and more, including Santa and Mrs. Claus who will be on site on the weekends. Once there's more of the white stuff on the ground they intend to build up a snow maze for the guests. As the temperatures drop, ice sculptures will start to pop up, too.
Originally scheduled to open on Friday, Nov. 19, the recent snowfall has pushed that schedule back a bit while the crew shovels the grounds. The revised opening date is Thursday, Nov. 25. It will be open from 2 to 10 p.m. every day all the way through to Jan. 9, 2022, including right through the Christmas season, too. Tickets must be pre-purchased online. All ticket sales are final.
For those who pre-purchased their tickets for Nov. 19 to 23, organizers have options for you. You can visit its website to learn about them.
True Start also asks that attendees bring donations to its on-site collection for the Bon Accord Food Bank.
"Just come out and get back into the holiday spirit, and help us raise some money at the same time."
All proceeds raised from the Winter Wonder Forest go to help the True Start Foundation run its various initiatives, including its COVID-19 Emergency Fund and Family Holiday Fund.
People can learn more and purchase tickets by visiting www.winterwonderforest.ca
